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‘Great Champions’ Reality Hits Ben Shelton Hard as He Lives a ‘Special’ Feeling at the Japan Open

Published 10/22/2023, 8:31 AM EDT

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via Reuters

Since his sensational performance at the US Open, the 20-year-old Ben Shelton has shown no signs of stopping. After a semi-final appearance at the Flushing Meadows and a title triumph on his maiden Laver Cup, the young American went ahead and clinched the Japan Open title in an emphatic win over Aslan Karatsev. What made the victory even more special was the fact that it was his maiden ATP title.

Following his win, Shelton, in the post-match interview, came ahead and talked about the hard work that he and his team put in every day. Not only this, he also gave a cheeky ‘great champions’ remark while suggesting to follow in the footsteps of some of the best players in the world.

Ben Shelton remarks on Japan Open win with ‘Great Champions’ revelation

Ben Shelton, following his remarkable victory at the Japan Open, expressed deep appreciation for the hard work he and his team had invested in honing his tennis skills. With the win, the young American gun laid his hands on his maiden ATP title. After a sensational performance at the US Open, this win would mean something special to him.

Shelton made the reference to ‘Great Champions‘ who pull in extra efforts to not only win the title but also maintain their hot run of form. He talked about the importance of consistency and resilience throughout a tournament. Shelton also said that great champions distinguish themselves not just by reaching the semifinals or finals but by clinching titles.

“I’ve made some deep runs lately. But you see the great champions. They finish weeks off, win titles. They don’t just get to the semifinals or the finals. But they’re able to maintain their level all the way throughout the week. I’m not saying I’m anywhere near that yet. But to be able to do it 1 week and be consistent for 5 matches in a row and be able to win a title here in Tokyo is really special,” said Shelton in the interview.

Thus, Shelton’s maiden ATP win at the Japan Open means something special to him. Interestingly, his maiden win not not only celebrated by him but the tennis pundits as well. In a recent revelation, Coco Gauff‘s current coach also lauded the efforts of Shelton.

Coco Gauff’s head coach lauds Shelton ahead of first ATP title triumph

The head coach of Coco Gauff, Brad Gilbert also joined the celebrations as he sent a congratulatory message to the 20-year-old player after his first ATP title. In a tweet shared by Gilbert, he lauded the efforts made by the young star. “strong effort from Gimme Shelton @BenShelton taking out 18 Karot for his 1st @atptour in Tokyo,” wrote Gilbert appreciating Shelton for his hard work.

Thus, the efforts made by Ben Shelton have been nothing short of sensational. From coming up the tennis ranks to making his first ATP title at 20, Shelton seems to be on cloud 9. Also, with a bright future ahead of him, he would be willing to keep his form going. However, it is only time that will reveal his heroics.

Watch this story: Roger Federer Fanboy and Budding Tennis Star Speaks Up About Serena Williams

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Written by:

Akshat Gaur

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Akshat Gaur is a Tennis Writer at EssentiallySports. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in 2021 and has been writing since then. With over two years of experience in the world of sports journalism, specifically tennis journalism, Akshat is someone who is immensely passionate about covering the ATP and the WTA Tour.
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